Kerala HC Bans Loud Firecrackers in Temples, Orders CBI Probe

Days after a firework explosion in the Puttingal Devi Temple of Kollam in Kerala left 110 people dead and around 380 injured, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday, banned bursting of high decibel firecrackers in all places of worship between sunset and sunrise.

The HC also said that strict action should be taken against the guilty and sought an immediate probe by the CBI.
The court’s order came while hearing Justice Chidambaresh’s plea seeking a ban on the noise-making firecrackers.

The solicitor general who appeared on behalf of the Kerala government said that there was a clear violation of laws.

To this, the court asked how the police allowed the fireworks to be displayed in the first place if it was being done illegally. The court asked the Kerala government to take strict action against the erring officials.

The Kerala High Court directed the district administration and police to file a separate affidavit on the incident. The court also held the Revenue Department responsible along with the temple administration for the tragedy.